The Sons of Katie Elder

Besides my brother, you are the only other person who really likes Sons of Katie Elder, which is cool w/me.
Historically, Katie Elder was Doc Holliday's main squeeze in Tombstone, Az., but, there's zero reference to her past as a painted lady. This, I think, led to my crushing disappointment. Also, maybe the 30-40 year age difference between The oldest and youngest brother was a wee bit too much to swallow. You see, when my brother recommended a movie to me I always liked it. Sadly, The Sons Katie Elder was the only exception. It had a great cast & director, too!

Historically, Katie Elder was Doc Holliday's main squeeze in Tombstone, Az., but, there's zero reference to her past as a painted lady. This, I think, led to my crushing disappointment.
Sometimes it’s good not knowing any background information in order to watch a movie independently of any predetermined impressions that could be characterized in the movie.
Also, maybe the 30-40 year age difference between the oldest and youngest brother was a wee bit too much to swallow.
The way I looked at this was the youngest son had to be that age for his story. John Wayne’s age wasn’t revealed, at least not to my knowledge, so I don’t think he was playing the part of someone 30-40 years older. He definitely looked that much older but if they casted someone younger, we wouldn’t have had John Wayne in the movie.

I hate to say it, but what louses that movie up for me is that the kid was not that good.

It didn’t louse up the movie for me because I liked the story and the shootout at the bridge was great. The kid did come across as a brat. Wish he played the role as enthusiastic but more grounded. Instead the character seemed like a little snot that annoyed me.

I think this movie, just like any John Wayne movie, is a good movie, but IMO Michael Anderson just overacted the part, and I just kind of cringed whenever he talked. I think he became a better actor as he got older. I think the original choice, Tommy Kirk, would have nailed it.

EDIT - interestingly, I remember Michael Anderson as being really good in Sundowners.

Sorry, Kate Harony was Doc Holiday's off and on lady friend.

And ... PLENTY of people like The Sons of Katie Elder, including me.

One of my favorite movies as well!

Sons of Katie Elder was one of my favorite movies when I was young. I'm not sure what I liked so much about it haha. I haven't seen it in YEARS, but if I catch it on somewhere I'll totally put it on. I remember watching Four Brothers and thinking that they totally copied this film.